Maintaining a healthy diet is necessary, to say the least. Processed and junk foods have become an integral part of our diet, and eating too much of it can lead to serious health issues in the long run. The number of people suffering from high sugar and salt levels in the blood has exponentially increased. To put it into perspective, over 100 million people in the country currently suffer from either diabetes or pre-diabetes. A large number of people are obese and hardly exercise. While this may not impact your health immediately, it will in the future. Nobody wants to live a life eating pills to control a disease. The best way out is to bring a radical change today to ensure that this never happens. This change is only possible if you follow an effective diet plan along with regular exercise. We have made the process of selecting effective diet plans much easier for you. Here are a few of the best diet plans of 2018 that actually work! DASH Diet Quite a fancy name for a diet right? The DASH diet is true to its name and it was designed to help people with high blood pressure. Needless to say, it is one of the best and most effective diet plans out there. Regulation of blood pressure is crucial when it comes to patients with hypertension, and the DASH diet aims at helping with the process. This diet comprises low-fat dairy products, lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, and a mix of fruits. If you are on this diet, try to avoid eating some harmful oils, full-fat dairy, sweets, sugary beverages, and saturated fat. You must also try to reduce your salt intake as a preventive measure against high blood pressure. Mediterranean Diet Another diet true to its name and origin is the Mediterranean diet.

If you have diabetes, then your doctor might have already cut all your favorite food items from your meals. Missing out on your favorite foods means that you lose interest in having your meals on time. If you are looking to add flavor back to your meals, we can help you out. Diabetic patients can continue to enjoy a lot of foods as a part of their diet. All they need is some nutrient-packed food ingredients that can satiate their hunger pangs. You can rest easy as your doctor will probably allow you to include these foods in your diet. Let’s have a look at the list of the best foods for a diabetic patient. Nuts Nuts can improve your blood sugar levels and help fight cardiovascular diseases. Walnut is rich in polyunsaturated fats, and it helps our body fight many health disorders. Such healthy fats are good for patients who have high blood sugar and heart diseases. These kinds of beneficial fats are also available in almonds, pecans, and pistachios. Nuts comprise of a high amount of protein and are low in carbohydrates. These qualities make them ideal for diabetic patients. Oatmeal Oatmeal is another food item that is on the list of healthy foods for diabetic patients, as whole grain can help fight diabetes. Oatmeal comprises of fiber in the form of beta-glucans that helps our body fight spikes in blood sugar levels. This food item also helps our body improve its insulin sensitivity. This type of soluble fiber can regulate blood sugar by controlling the absorption and breakdown of carbohydrates in the foods we consume every day. Several studies have confirmed that oatmeal is good for high blood pressure and cholesterol as well. Beans Beans are a rich source of protein and fiber that can keep you healthy.

Things often do not go according to your plans and situations may force you to opt for something you never thought about. Kidney dialysis is something no one would like to go through if it is not the last option. We will talk about the need for this therapy and how it can save one’s life. People with damaged kidneys often find it almost impossible to defuse their waste and opt for dialysis as an alternative to carrying out the natural processes artificially. The process of dialysis is also known as RRT (Renal Replacement Therapy). The primary function of our kidneys is to control the water level of our body and eliminate waste. In the natural process, kidneys produce some essential substances that are vital for metabolism. However, this does not happen in the process of dialysis. Let us talk about the importance of dialysis and why one should prefer this treatment. The importance of dialysis If a person’s kidneys have lost more than 90% of their functionality, the person should opt for dialysis. A recently conducted study has revealed that more than 14% of the population is suffering from various kinds of kidney diseases. If the kidneys have stopped its natural functioning, then the affected person will need an effective alternative to stay alive, and that is where the dialysis therapy works. Our kidneys purify nearly 150 quarts of blood each day, and if they do not work properly, then wastages will start polluting the blood. If an immediate action has not been taken in such a situation, the affected person will either die or go into a coma. Dialysis therapy prevents wastage from reaching dangerous levels. It also removes drugs and toxins from the blood in an emergency situation. Common types of dialysis therapy There are three common types of dialysis therapy.

Want to make a great impression on people? Well! A bright and beautiful smile can do that. To have a bright and beautiful smile, you must have clean white teeth because yellow or brown spotted teeth can spoil the whole scenario. Mouth is the only part in our body which cannot shed itself naturally, and it is the home to almost 600 species of bacteria, the majority of which are clinging to the teeth. We need to clean our teeth in the right manner to fight the bacteria. We have to do it within 24 to 48 hours otherwise it will turn into a yellowish plaque. The acid formed by plaque can lead to decaying of the teeth. If the plaque is not removed and stays deposited for several days, it can turn into a hardened tartar and has to be removed by a professional only. Saliva can neutralize the acid, but if tartar starts to accumulate then it’s a tough job. In the long run, it can create a risk of developing gingivitis, tooth decay, periodontal disease, etc. A bright white smile with clean mouth free of plaque is not very tough to achieve. Regular cleaning and following some easy tips can give an excellent result. Let’s have a close look at the ways to keep the mouth clean and free of plaque. Brushing Teeth To prevent plaque formation, you need to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. You must brush for at least two minutes. Brushing should not be very harsh. The brush strokes will be short and vertical with moderate pressure. As you are done with cleaning, rinse the toothbrush appropriately, shake it well to dry it properly. According to the president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Mr.

It is important to understand the blood pressure range and ideal blood pressure as per age to keep a track of your health. Your heart beats and pumps oxygen and blood to the organs. The pressure with which it pushes against the vessels is called blood pressure. High blood pressure can be an early sign of a major disease such as heart attack or stroke. It is very important to gain a basic understanding of a normal range of blood pressure. It also helps in taking preventive measures and keeping diseases at bay. Here is the blood pressure chart as per different ages, with readings that you can refer to. Everyone, between the age of 17 years and 60 years, as well as those who are above 60 years, should show the following readings if their pressure is normal: Low systolic – It should be less than 90 Low diastolic – It should be less than 60 Normal systolic – It should be less than 120 Normal diastolic – It should be less than 80 Elevated systolic – It should range between 120 and 129 Elevated diastolic – It should be less than 80 The blood pressure readings will naturally be a little different in the case of hypertension. Stage 1 – Systolic is between 130 and 139, while diastolic is between 80 and 89. Stage 2 – Systolic is above 140 in this case, and diastolic is above 90. Understanding blood pressure measurements You can read the blood pressure by understanding the two numbers i.e., systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure measures the pressure on the walls of the vessels as your heart contracts and beats. It is recorded as the upper number in your blood pressure reading. On the other hand, diastolic blood pressure is the pressure applied to the walls of the vessels when the heart is relaxing.

Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar is one of the most common lifestyle-associated disorders. It is characterized by a high level of blood sugar level called hyperglycemia. In a healthy person, the normal range of blood sugar is 70-130 mg/dL between meals which can spike to 180 mg/dL 1–2 hours post meals. A chronic hyperglycemia can be detrimental to the blood vessels, nerve tissues, and several other body organs. According to a new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the country alone, more than 100 million adults are suffering from high blood sugar. There are several ways in which the question of how to control blood sugar can be answered. However, before looking into that, let us know about the complications that high blood sugar can lead to. Complications caused due to high blood sugar Uncontrolled high sugar levels can lead to nerve and kidney damage, cardiovascular disorders, damage to eye lens, damage to retina which may cause complete blindness, higher chances of skin infections, infections in teeth and gums, and slow healing of an injury. Smart ways to control blood sugar The following tips can help one on how to control their blood sugar. However, an expert advice or consultation must be sought before starting any medication or natural treatment. Avoid huge meals : A diabetic patient is advised to keep his/her meal size small. This helps in effective regulation of blood sugar. However, one should not skip a meal. Add resistant starch to diet : The addition of resistant starch in the diet is one of the best ways to control blood sugar. Resistant starch bypasses the small intestine and subsequently gets digested by the “good bacteria” present in the large intestine. This helps in lowering the blood sugar effectively. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “second-meal” effect.

Aging is a stressful process. While it does bring about a change in your environment as your children move out, get married, and start a family of their own, you start experiencing changes in your health as well. You do not look the same when you see yourself in the mirror and your skin may lose its glow as well. The skin also loses the ability to make vitamin D from sunlight and it is essential to bring about a change in your diet. Changes in your diet can go a long way in helping you fight the aging process and appear to be younger than your age. While there are several medications available in the market for the same, the best remedies always start at home. For your body to run the way it has over the years, you need to maintain a healthy diet. The best diet for women? Look no further. We have made the process of choosing the best plan for you much easier. The best diet for women as they age Here are a few of the best diet plans you should follow: Mediterranean diet: The Mediterranean diet derives its origin from Mediterranean countries. The people living in these countries commonly follow this diet plan as it is generally associated with better health and longevity. The Mediterranean diet is surely among the best diet for women. The diet consists of vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, olive oil, and other healthy fatty food. Try to avoid eating junk food and processed food. It is quite simply one of the best diet plans and is quite commonly followed by people around the world. MIND diet: True to its name, the MIND diet is perfect for women as they age. Alzheimer’s is a disease which commonly affects aged people.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland and thus only affects men. While there is no cure for metastatic prostate cancer, it is manageable to some extent. While undergoing treatment for cancer, it becomes imperative for one to eat right and ensure that the body gets the necessary nutrition. Since the body will be working overtime to battle cancer, it would require energy to repair cells that get damaged due to radiation and chemotherapy. Foods to help battle prostate cancer Whether one is trying to eliminate prostate cancer or prevent themselves from getting diagnosed with it, knowing the foods that can protect them from cancer-inducing carcinogens is helpful: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is effective against prostate, stomach, and lung cancers. Lycopene can also slow down the spread of cancer cells and is most effective when consumed in the natural form. Any diet that includes a lot of vegetables and fruits can provide good protection against cancers. Lycopene-rich fruits like papaya, guava, and watermelon must be made part of the diet. Pectin, which is present in apples, plums, and apricots, is also known to reduce cancerous cells by almost 40%. A diet that consists of fiber-rich vegetables helps ward off prostate cancer, a prime reason for less Asian men being affected by this disease as compared to those in the West. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are particularly beneficial as they slow the growth of cancerous cells. Green tea and soy have been recommended to keep prostate cancer away, but these are only in the testing stage as of yet. Some chemicals present in soy are found in other legumes and pulses as well, and these may also be effective in preventing prostate cancer. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel, can reduce the risk of cancer.

Though we try to lead a healthy lifestyle by making the necessary amends, some defect in the bodily functions, caused due to some ailment or the process of aging, can cause us great pain and unease. Though a majority of these diseases are curable, they cause immense discomfort and excruciating pain while they last. Gout is one such disease that affects a person’s ability to move around freely. The individual suffering from gout can experience a gout attack anytime, and the only saving grace is to opt for home remedies that would give quick gout relief. The following sections will help increase your awareness about gout. What is gout? Gout is a form of arthritis that usually affects the feet, especially the big toe. It is characterized by a sudden onset of stiffness, sudden excruciating pain, and swelling in joints, especially the big toe. Gout arthritis is known to cause severe damage to the tendons, joints, and tissues if it is left untreated over a long period. Gout attacks can cause severe pain, and it renders the person unable to move around. Gout shows all the symptoms that accompany all types of arthritis. What causes gout? Gout arthritis is the result of high level of uric acid in the blood. People usually have uric acid in their blood, and it is harmless. However, high levels of uric acid in the blood results in the crystallization of the same, and it settles in the joints. These uric acid crystals are the sole cause of the excruciating pain an individual has to suffer when he suffers from gout. Gout attacks subside if one adheres to quick gout relief treatments that can thwart the pain from spreading. What are the home remedies for quick gout relief? There are various medications available for providing relief from the pain caused by gout, but people are often hesitant because of the side-effects caused by the same.

People who have high cholesterol levels are at a higher risk of having heart diseases. However, it is always in a person’s hand to maintain a healthy outlook. The bad or LDL cholesterol can always be lowered while the good or HDL cholesterol can be raised. This can be done by adopting the few measures listed below: Reduce intake of trans fats Consumption of trans fats increase your LDL level and lower the HDL. This also increases the chances of a person suffering from stroke and other heart complications. Fried food and baked goods contain a fair amount of LDL. You can certainly attain a lower LDL cholesterol level by avoiding these food items. Lose the extra pounds People who tend to be overweight have a lot of bad or LDL cholesterol. Having a balanced diet rich in fiber will help a person reduce weight and attain a lower LDL cholesterol level. Exercise regularly People who exercise for the duration of 2 to 2.5 hours in a week tend to raise their HDL and lower LDL cholesterol levels. For people who have never tried this option beginning with a mild exercise schedule of 10 minutes can bring a viable change in their body. The duration of exercise can be slowly increased, and this will help them to attain a lower LDL cholesterol level. Take fiber-rich diet If a person has higher cholesterol level, it is advised that they include food items like apples, beans and soluble fiber in their food. People who tend to consume up to 10 grams of this healthy food than other people lower their LDL cholesterol levels. Moreover, if a person includes more fiber in the diet it will make them feel fuller, and they will have less craving for snacks and other junk food. However, it is advised that a person should go slowly when consuming fibers as taking an excess of fiber can result in abdominal cramp formation.

High cholesterol treatment can very well be done using natural, herbal, or home remedies. The treatment would be more effective if the disease has not progressed to an advanced stage yet. There are studies and research to support the claim of certain herbal and home remedies to treat high cholesterol level. However, no such claim has been made about heart failure. There are many who experienced success with alternative high cholesterol treatments. Thus many other rely on the power of herbal treatment which makes them follow an alternative treatment plan for high cholesterol. Here is a list of herbal and natural remedies that can be incorporated in your lifestyle and diet plan to reap their benefits for high cholesterol treatment: Astragalus The use of this herb is found in traditional Chinese treatment where it was used to strengthen the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Since it is considered as an “adaptogen,” it has the properties to protect the body against several health issues. Studies show that this herb has to offer certain benefits for your hearts health thereby contributing toward being an effective high cholesterol treatment method. Hawthorn Hawthorn is a shrub belonging to the rose plant family. Its leaves, berries, and flowers are in use since Roman times to treat a heart problem. Studies proved that this shrub could be helpful in treating a mild case of heart failure. However, there is no proof that this plant is effective as a high cholesterol treatment method. Flaxseed Flaxseed is derived from the flax plant. Both flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in high levels. This is an omega-3 fatty acid which may be effective in lowering the risk of any heart ailment. Studies show that flaxseed may help to lower cholesterol levels, especially for people with high cholesterol levels as well as postmenopausal women.

Among the more common ailments prevalent today, the issue of burning foot pain ranks high on the list. However, most sufferers remain blissfully ignorant that this could be a cause for concern. Burning foot pain could arise from some nerve damage. Such nerve damage occurs in the leg and is medically referred to as neuropathy. There are many reasons besides this that could be a cause for such burning sensation. More often than not though, diabetes comes across as the culprit. The prime idea behind all treatments for such pain is related to controlling nerve damage as well as pain reduction. Neuropathy occurs when the damaged fibers of nerves misfire or become overactive. These nerves signal the sensation of pain to the brain. Therefore, despite the absence of a cut or a wound, the sensation of pain occurs. Nerves in the leg tend to get affected first, in patients with neuropathy. There could be accompanying numbness or tingly sensations along with burning foot pain. Burning pain in the foot could also be accompanied by excess sensitivity to touch on the foot area. The pain could be intense or mild from time to time. Burning sensation of the feet could also be linked to several other issues. A few of these include the following: Vitamin deficiency Uremia AIDS Amyloid polyneuropathy Hypothyroidism Lyme disease Erythromelalgia Drug side effects Sarcoidosis Metal poisoning Guillain-Barre syndrome Vasculitis There could be infections on the feet or even inflammations that could lead to burning pain in the feet. Athlete’s foot is a very common fungal infection that causes such pain. Moreover, in case the blood circulation in your legs is poor, you may experience burning feet, pain, and tingling especially when you walk around. Diagnosing the issue Identifying the prime cause of such an issue is important.